T-minus 6 days until the puck drops. To celebrate, we’re going to do a “Fast 5 on 5” on the Seattle Kraken defenseman, #6 – Adam Larsson.
1: A hockey-rich upbringing
Adam Larsson was born in November 1992 in Skellefteå in the hockey-rich country of Sweden.
He spent his early seasons in Sweden’s junior hockey system as a member of Skellefteå AIK Jr. His time in the Swedish Hockey League was spent as a member of Skellefteå AIK.
His most productive season during his time in both leagues came in the 2009-2010 campaign. Larsson was responsible for 17 points during the season, coming in the form of 4 goals and 13 assists.
Among his many accomplishments on the ice in Sweden, it was perhaps his performance in the 2010 and 2011 World Junior U-20 Championships that was most impressive. It was during those championships that he was responsible for 8 total points in just 12 games played overall.
2: NHL-bound
As with any defenseman coming from Sweden, the hockey world would naturally compare Larsson to the legendary Nicklas Lidstrom.
And it was for good reason, as the International Scouting Services gave him two honors heading into the NHL draft. They deemed Adam not only one of the best defencemen on the offensive side of the puck – – but one of the better shutdown defencemen available as well.
The accolades heading into the NHL draft didn’t stop there. NBC Sports suggested whoever picked Larsson may end up with a franchise cornerstone. The outlet even went on to compare Adam to Victor Hedman – more high praise to be sure.
The 2011 NHL entry draft didn’t disappoint.
Adam Larsson went in the first round at number 4 overall to the New Jersey Devils.
3: Starting East Then Heading North
He wasted no time getting acclimated to the NHL, racking up 2 goals and 16 assists in the 2011-2012 season. His best season in New Jersey saw Adam responsible for 3 goals and 21 assists, totaling 24 points in the 2014-2015 season.
2016 saw a major change for Adam in both his career and his geography. Trading Newark-Style Italian Hot Dogs for the Green Onion Cakes of Edmonton, Adam found himself a member of the Edmonton Oilers.
In what was one of the more talked-about trades of the season, the Oilers sent Taylor Hall to the Devils in exchange for Larsson. Then Oilers General Manager Peter Chiarelli was on the hunt for defensive help, and figured Larsson would provide that in spades.
The trade was a surprise throughout the NHL and was met with its share of criticism. However, Adam proved to be a vital part of the Oilers through his 5-year tenure with the team. Larsson contributed 75 points during his time in Edmonton in the regular season and playoffs.
4: Heading To The Kraken
2021 brought about more significant change for Larsson. This time, the alternate captain of the Oilers was headed to the Pacific Northwest as a member of the Seattle Kraken. Adam signed a four-year deal worth $16 million with the Seattle Kraken, aiming to provide his leadership to a young Kraken franchise.
His first two years in Seattle proved to be Adam’s most productive in the NHL. The 2021-2022 season saw Larsson contribute 25 points, including eight goals. The following season was his most productive to date, with 33 points – adding 25 assists to another eight-goal campaign.
Realizing the value in keeping Adam as a member of the Kraken, the franchise signed him to another 4-year contract in 2024, this time for $21M.
Throughout his tenure thus far with the Kraken, perhaps Adam’s greatest achievement can be found in his sheer reliability. Larsson skated his way to becoming the Kraken’s all-time leader in games played. In fact, he missed exactly one game due to the birth of his daughter.
On his decision to re-sign with Seattle, Larsson points to the love the city and the fans have for their team.
5: This Season
The Kraken will begin the 2026-2027 season looking to establish both an identity and positive momentum under coach Lane Lambert. The best way to achieve this might just be to rely on the consistency and leadership of #6.
Larsson has been part of the first defensive pairing since the 2022 season. This figures to be especially important for not just the upcoming season, but future seasons as well, as the Kraken look to establish their aforementioned identity.
Veteran leadership is crucial to the development of any team and that’s especially true for the 2025-2026 Kraken. Seattle is a franchise looking to both compete and grow for the future.
They could surely do a lot worse than a player with Adam Larsson’s dedication.
Be sure to follow continuing coverage of the Seattle Kraken with just 6 days until the puck drops.
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